Chisholm re-emerges for Hampton University's offense

Dave Fairbank, dfairbank@dailypress.com | 757-247-4637

HAMPTON — It's tempting to say "Welcome Back" to Antwon Chisholm, though Hampton University's upbeat senior happily corrects people that he was more patient than absent during a frustrating junior year.

The former Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference offensive Rookie of the Year again is an important cog in the Pirates' machine. He has an expanded role, playing both running back and receiver in HU's version of the spread offense.

"He has a natural ability where he can turn nothing into something," Pirates' head coach Donovan Rose said. "Every time he has the ball, there's good things that can happen. We're going to find ways to get him the ball more."

Chisholm should get plenty of touches Saturday, when the Pirates venture northwest up the Peninsula to face William and Mary at 7 p.m. at Zable Stadium.

Chisholm was Hampton's leading rusher and receiver in the opener, an offensive train wreck that included nine HU turnovers and three Western Illinois defensive touchdowns in a 42-9 loss.

Chisholm netted 37 yards rushing and had three catches for 56 yards and HU's lone touchdown versus the Fighting Leathernecks.

His productivity and experience make him an inviting target for HU's young quarterbacks. Each of the Pirates' three quarterbacks threw two interceptions at Western Illinois. Rose said Wednesday that sophomore J.J. Williamson, the game one starter, will start versus the Tribe.

"We're going to make sure that he's on point," Rose said. "Not put a lot of stuff on his plate. You don't have to try to win the game. Just go through the progressions and make sure you make sound decisions."

Getting the ball to Chisholm usually qualifies as a good decision. He rushed for 607 yards as a true freshman in 2010, when he was MEAC Rookie of the Year. As a sophomore, he led the Pirates with 796 yards rushing and eight touchdowns, and he caught 29 passes.

But Chisholm was a fringe performer last season, with just 103 yards rushing and 20 receptions. He had health issues during preseason camp and never quite fit in with former offensive coordinator Earnest Wilson's new scheme.

With new quarterbacks and 235-pound back Jeremiah Schwartz, the Pirates morphed into a power running attack. They dabbled with the 5-foot-8, 180-pound Chisholm as a slot receiver, but they had an abundance of young receivers and a spotty passing game, so he gained little traction at the position.

Chisholm said that last season was frustrating at times, "But I kept my focus and kept my mind straight, knowing that I had to do whatever I could to help my team win."

Rose said that after last season he emphasized to Chisholm that he could still be a big part of the offense, that the team would need his leadership and experience, as well as his ability. Since then, he said that Chisholm has rededicated himself on the field and off.

"I just had to ground myself and stay humble and focused and know what I have to do," Chisholm said. "All that changed when I had a good talk with Coach Rose. He gave me a lot of spiritual advice and let me know things were going to be all right, if I stay focused, knowing what I could do."

Chisholm especially took to playing both receiver and running back.

"I love it," he said. "It's pretty much what I was used to doing in high school and in younger leagues. It's coming along well. I'm trying to learn both positions to the fullest and make sure I know everything I'm doing out there."

Running back, he said, is a bit simpler. He reads certain line and linebacker keys and then relies on his instincts. Playing receiver requires recognizing coverages and proper footwork and technique to get in and out of breaks and find open areas.

Chisholm said he also dealt with family issues he declined to specify back home in Belle Glade, Fla., and approached this year with a clear mind and the knowledge that he had one more lap.

"I put last season behind me at the end of the last game," he said. "I knew this was my last year. I've got 11 more games in my college career. I have to focus up and put my all into this. I want my team to win. I want to help them as much as I can, do whatever I can."